According to ICT Ministry’s Information and Public Relations Department, Dr. Vaezi, the Iranian ICT Minister, pointed out that the main objective of the visit of Turkish Development Minister and his delegation has been to pave the way for Turkish President’s visit to Tehran, taking place early or mid-April. He also stated that, “the documents and agreements to be signed during Turkish President’s visit will be studied and discussed in the present two day trip of the Turkish delegation”. Listing other important topics of mutual interest between two countries, he also specified that: “all these subjects should be addressed and discussed so they can be finalized upon Turkish President’s arrival in Tehran”.
Citing Dr. Rouhani’s mandate regarding further development of Iran-Turkey relations, Vaezi mentioned the holding of the second joint cabinet meeting of two countries as another important event taking place during Mr. Erdogan’s visit, adding that, “this meeting shall take place in presence of both presidents and selected ministers”.
Referring to the growing political relations between two countries, aiming to bring the people of both nations closer to one another, he called for cooperation in the areas of culture and tourism.
In another part of his speech, Dr. Vaezi expressed his displeasure with the prevailing conditions of the region, stating that, “what is going on in Iraq, Syria and other places is not acceptable for us”.
Condemning those kinds of actions, he asked for introduction of the benevolent and divine face of Islam.
Cevdet Yilmaz, the Turkish Minister for Development, also expressed his gratitude for Iran’s effort and commitment in expanding bilateral relations, expressing that “Iran and Turkey, as two friendly and brotherly neighbors, have put huge efforts in developing their relations, and taking things a step further”.
He emphasized that the relation between Iran and Turkey is not anything like the ordinary type of bilateral relations, but rather has an importance and impact on regional interactions.
Expressing satisfaction on the outcomes of previous meetings, the Turkish Minister said that, “signing the preferential trade agreement, continuance of the negotiations and finding measures for bilateral investment, reviewing past issues, and finding pathways for future are samples of such achievements”.
He added that: “Topics which directly impact Iran-Turkey relations, plus themes such as tourism, energy, and financial issues are also on the agenda”.
Mr. Yilmaz also referred to Dr. Rouhani’s Turkey visit, and the numerous meetings which took place between both nations’ officials, stating that: “Extensive and firm steps were taken during these meetings for mutual relations”.
Placing a very high importance to Mr. Erdogan’s visit to Tehran in respect to Iran-Turkey relations, he commented that, “during this trip, in addition to various aspects of bilateral and multilateral relations, many economic and cultural topics will be discussed in detail”.
He also mentioned the holding of the second joint cabinet meeting, adding that, “in this regard, it is my hope and wish that, through establishment of a strategic bilateral relations council, the negotiations will result in blessing and prosperity for both nations”.
At the conclusion of his speech, Mr. Yilmaz congratulated Nowruz to the government and people of Iran on behalf of Turkish people and government.